The candidates for mayor faced off Friday morning at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in downtown Springfield.  The mayoral forum was sponsored by the Citizen’s Club and AARP.  Mayor Jim Langfelder talked about his strengths including leading the city through a period where the state had no budget for two years and through the COVID-19 pandemic.  On the topic of the city budget, challenger Misty Buscher said she will make sure the city’s aldermen have plenty of time to review the budget and have open discussions as opposed to the past where there was a “lack of communication and preparedness” and the budget had to be “passed in the 11th hour.”

Buscher criticized the city’s use of Tax Increment Finance districts, saying District 186 takes the biggest “hit on the chin” because TIFs result in less money for educating students and our future.  Langfelder stated TIFs are used for areas that need help and growth, and that he has accomplished that in a number of ways.  He pointed to downtown projects and working with the Chamber of Commerce.

Buscher highlighted the need for new tech jobs in the area that don’t require a bachelor’s degree.  She said she will work with the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance for economic growth and will sell the community to industry to create jobs.  Langfelder pointed to his role in cooperation between the city and county for regional planning to maximize resources.  Langfelder added that under his leadership the city has worked with the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance.

Election day is April 4th, and early voting is already underway.